“In the face of mounting threats, our government is doing far too little to counter violent extremism here in the United States,” said Chairman McCaul. “Whether it is the long reach of international terrorists into our communities or the homegrown hate spread by domestic extremist groups, we are ill-equipped to prevent Americans from being recruited by dangerous fanatics.”

H.R. 2899 significantly elevates CVE as a key priority at the Department of Homeland Security, streamlines the Department’s CVE efforts under an Assistant Secretary who reports directly to the Secretary, and provides $10 million dollars per year out of existing funds to ramp up DHS efforts to prevent Americans from being radicalized and recruited by terrorists. It was also amended to include, for the first time ever, a counter-messaging grant program to push back against extremist propaganda domestically.

Amendments offered by Rep. John Katko, R-NY, Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-GA, and Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-SC, were adopted and included in the Committee passed bill. More information on each amendment can be found HERE.

“Every day we wait, we cede more ground to our adversaries,” said Chairman McCaul. “I will not stand on the sidelines—asking for more reports and studies—while terrorists plot inside our communities, while people are murdered in their places of worship, and while violent extremists seek to divide our nation.”

“I did not want to put this on the floor with Republican and Democrats fighting each other as the enemy watches us do that. I think that is the wrong message to the terrorists, whether they be domestic or international,” concluded Chairman McCaul.

The bill was voted through the Committee with bipartisan support and moves to the House floor with favorable recommendation.